Desert Highlands Golf Club

For many happy residents, Desert Highlands is more than just a place to live. It is also a place to experience world-class golf and unparalleled beauty. The Desert Highlands Golf Club is a central part of life in the community. With a magnificent signature course by Jack Nicklaus and a myriad of luxurious amenities, the club acts for many as a home away from home. Members of the club can enjoy not only the golf course but a host of fantastic facilities, including the exquisitely designed clubhouse, a comprehensive golf instruction program, state-of-the-art practice complexes and much more. Being the first of its kind in the region, Desert Highlands sets the bar high both for spectacular golf and quality living.

Course Design

The Desert Highlands golf course features a unique architectural concept defined both by classic Jack Nicklaus design elements and emphasis on the course’s exceptional environment. Being a Jack Nicklaus “Signature” golf course, Desert Highlands boasts narrow fairways, elaborate containment slopes, deep bunkers, elevated tees and greens and long carries. Sensitivity to the surrounding desert environment has resulted in the strong utilization of the natural topography and a limited use of turf. Both aspects of the design have served to create a dramatic visual experience to complement a challenging round.

Memberships

Desert Highlands is a highly exclusive Scottsdale golf club. Membership is reserved for residents of the community and is part of a real estate purchase. Homebuyers pay a one-time membership fee of $75,000 to gain access to the golf course and all club facilities and services. This includes practice areas, clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, tennis facilities, and concierge service. Members also pay $1,395 monthly dues, which cover club dues and the HOA fee. Desert Highlands offers a single membership for both golf and social privileges. There are no social memberships or any other alternate memberships available at Desert Highlands Golf Club.

Player Statistics

·         Average male handicap is 16.33

·         Average female handicap is 28.63

·         Hole-in-One Club comprises 207 members

Tee Times

Tee times are fairly easy to get at Desert Highlands since a large portion of the members are seasonal residents who play for only a few weeks out of the year. There are 376 members that constitute 98 percent of all rounds played at Desert Highlands. Two weekly Men’s Leagues and one weekly Ladies’ League take place in season, and 29 golf events are scheduled out during the year. There are 61 tee times available each day, and all tee times (including members and guests) can be booked 7 days prior to play. The average amount of time allotted for play is 4 hours and 7 minutes. There are no restrictions at Desert Highlands regarding walking versus riding. Private golf carts are not allowed. Desert Highlands has 90 electric golf carts available to use.

Practice Facilities

Desert Highlands houses a number of practice areas, including a 60,000-square-foot Putting Course (par 41). The first of its kind to be built in the U.S., the Putting Course allows golfers to practice their short game on a full 18 holes. It is also popular among “non-golfers,” who can pick up a club and enjoy being outdoors without the pressures of playing a full course.

Other practice facilities at Desert Highlands include a fully staffed practice range with unlimited complimentary range balls, separate pitching/chipping areas, sand practice areas, and a pre-play putting green.

Clubhouse

The Desert Highlands Clubhouse spans 30,000 square feet. Sitting at the base of Pinnacle Peak, this masterfully designed structure looks like something born of the mountain and the surrounding foothills. Its seamless transition into the adjacent boulder formation called “Clubhouse Rock” serves to enhance this effect. The Clubhouse features both Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms with personal lockers, dressing rooms, showers, and card rooms. Complimentary beverage and snack services are provided. Fine and casual dining is also available and can be enjoyed outside on the terrace, poolside or in one of four unique dining rooms within the Clubhouse.

Halfway House

The Halfway House at Desert Highlands is accessible from the golf course and offers a diverse, golf-themed menu with soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages.

Pro Shop

Desert Highlands offers a fully stocked, 1,600-square-foot Golf Pro Shop featuring the leading brands of golf apparel, equipment, and accessories. The Pro Shop is staffed with three full-time personnel.

Golf Instruction

Golf instruction is available to all members of Desert Highlands, including both high and low handicappers. Desert Highlands offers a variety of instruction programs such as Video Analysis, on-course instruction, golf schools, and private lessons. Members can also attend regular clinics or even receive a custom golf club fitting. All instruction programs are customizable to suit your individual needs.

If you are thinking of purchasing a golf home at Desert Highlands, you’ll want to use a Realtor who specializes in this community and other Scottsdale golf communities. Call Carmen Brodeur at (602) 791-0536 or email Carmen@TopScottsdaleHomes.com to view any Desert Highlands real estate.